COUNTRY HOME BAKERS ENLARGING PLANT

ATLANTA -- Country Home Bakers, based in Bridgeport, Conn., is expanding its manufacturing plant here, which is the last phase of an $8 million modernization of its facility in this market.

cturing area by about 20%, and will double its production capacity, said Roy Lowery, general manager here.

The first phases of the modernization project, occurring earlier this year, included the installation of new equipment lines and the realignment of existing equipment in order to create a more efficient production flow, Lowery said.

In a statement issued from the company's corporate office, Kevin McDonough, vice president of manufacturing, said, "The Atlanta expansion is part of a two-year, strategic investment of $17 million in manufacturing facilities, information systems and supply chain management."

The new manufacturing equipment includes a bagel line -- the first at this facility -- and a high-speed roll line. Frozen-dough bread, rolls and cookies are already manufactured at this site.

"The expansion and modernization here will position us to become more competitive in the marketplace. It should give us an edge," Lowery said. He added that the renovation and new equipment will make production more cost-effective and also enable the company to respond more quickly to customers' needs.

Country Home Bakers operates slightly smaller manufacturing facilities in Bridgeport, Conn., and Torrance, Calif. Breads, rolls, bagels and some sweet dough items are produced at the Bridgeport plant. Pies and some breads, rolls and cookies are made at the Torrance location.